Rear projection screens and light filters with conformable coatings and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to rear projection screens and lightfilters, specifically those with a conformable coating over transparentmicrospheres.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Rear projection screens transmit an image from the back of thescreen to the viewer on the opposite side of the screen. The image isaffected by the amount of light transmitted by the screen or filter orthroughput. Generally, screens and filters have been limited by theirconstruction to the amount of light transmitted through the screen orfilter. It is desirable to have constructions which provide increasedlight throughput.

[0003] Generally, rear projection screens have suffered from poorangularity. Angularity is the term used to describe the ability of aviewer to see a good image from the screen or filter at some anglesother than those which are ordinary to the screen surface. As the viewermoves to the side of the screen or filter, the image quality isdecreased. It is desirable to have screens and filters which haveimproved angularity.

[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,563,738 and 5,781,344, (Vance), relate to lighttransmitting and dispersing filters having low reflectance. Themulti-layer light filters use the addition of optical layers to a basicrefractive light filter to allow adjustment of gain, contrast andambient light rejection of light filters.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,933 (DiLoreto et al) describes lighttransmitting and dispersing filters similar to those described by Vancewith the addition of a conformal layer of light transmissive material onthe back surface of the transparent beads.

[0006] Rear projection screens typically contain mechanisms such asminute colloidal particles to diffuse the light into the desired viewingspace. When these screens are used with high magnification systems inwhich the projection beam is nearly coherent, an undesirable artifact inthe form of a speckle pattern (e.g., bright pin holes) often isobserved. The speckle pattern is most pronounced in screens with highgains. Speckle reduction has been discussed in the literature. It isknown for example that to reduce the visibility of speckle, thecoherence of the illumination beam must be destroyed. One method whichhas been suggested is to move one diffusion screen with respect toanother and separating the diffusing surfaces. When modifying thescreens to reduce speckle, however, it is important not to deterioratethe resolution on the screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising:

[0008] (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surfaceand a back surface,

[0009] (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbinglayer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer withportions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of thelight absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbinglayer, and

[0010] (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a frontsurface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformedlayer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protrudingportions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of theconformed layer has a textured finish.

[0011] The invention also relates to methods of making these lighttransmitting filters. The light transmitting filters of the presentinvention have improved light throughput and improved angularity. Theuse of the light filters of the invention in rear projection screenssubstantially reduces speckle without materially affecting thepercentage of light transmitted through the screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIGS. 1a and 1 b are cross sectional views of a light transmittingfilter of the invention where FIG. 1b is an expanded view of a portionof FIG. 1a.

[0013]FIG. 1c is a cross sectional view of another filter of theinvention.

[0014]FIGS. 2a-2 c are cross sectional views illustrating one method ofpreparing the light transmitting filters of the invention.

[0015]FIGS. 3a-3 c are cross sectional views illustrating another methodof preparing the light transmitting filters of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] As used in the specification and claims, the phrase substantiallyuniform layer refers to a layer of the construction which has athickness with little variance, such as a variation in thickness of lessthan about 5 microns, preferably a variation of less than about 2.5microns, or preferably less than about 1.25 microns. The term conformedlayer refers to a layer which conforms substantially in shape to theprotruding portions of the microspheres.

[0017] Here and elsewhere in the specification and claims, the range andratio limits may be combined.

[0018] As described above, the present invention is directed to a lighttransmitting filter comprising:

[0019] a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface anda back surface,

[0020] (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbinglayer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer withportions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of thelight absorbing layer whereby the microspheres transmit light throughthe light absorbing layer, and

[0021] (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a frontsurface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformablelayer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protrudingportions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of theconformable layer has a textured finish.

[0022] The light absorbing layer serves a number of purposes includingfixing the beads, reducing the reflectivity of the light filter, andreducing the amount of light transmitted from the back surface throughthe interstices between the microspheres in the system to the viewer.This layer generally has a thickness sufficient for embedding thetransparent microspheres. The embedding of the transparent microspheresmay be at any level provided that the transparent microspheres form alight tunnel through the light absorbing layer. In one embodiment, thelight absorbing layer has a thickness from about 10% to 90%, or fromabout 10% to about 80% of the transparent microsphere diameter. Thelight absorbing layer may be any material which is substantially opaqueand can be embedded with the transparent microspheres to form lighttunnels through the opaque layer. The light absorbing layer may be anymaterial which is malleable enough to yield when the transparentmicrospheres are pushed against it, such as a partially or incompletelycrosslinked urethane, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or with theaddition of heat, thermoplastic polymers. The light absorbing materialmay also be a material which can form around the transparentmicrosphere, such as an asphalt or adhesive (a pigmented pressuresensitive adhesive).

[0023] Typically, the light absorbing layer is a combination of one ormore pigments, usually carbon black, or other colorant, and one or morepolymers, such as polyolefins, polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetals such aspolyvinyl butyral, (e.g., Butvar resins available from Solutia),polyurethanes, polyesters or polyvinylcarboxylates. The polyolefins maybe homopolymers and copolymers of C₂₋₁₂ olefins, such as ethylene,propylene, and butylene. The polyacrylates, including polymethacrylates,may be homopolymers or copolymer of C₁₋₁₂ acrylate or methacrylatemonomers, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, or octylacrylates or methacrylates. Here and elsewhere in the specification andclaims, the term for pendant groups is meant to include all isomericforms of the group. For instance, the use of the term octyl is intendedto cover n-octyl, isooctyl, and 2-ethylhexyl groups. Thepolyvinylcarboxylates include homo or copolymers of C₁₋₁₂ vinylcarboxylates, such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate and vinylbutyrate. Examples of useful commercially available polyacrylatesinclude Acrylic HI-7 from ICI and Acrylic MI-7 from Rohm & Haas. Thelight absorbing layer may contain from about 2% to about 10% by weightof the pigment and/or colorant.

[0024] Alternatively, the light absorbing layer may be a photosensitivefilm, in which case its optical density can be varied by exposure toactinic light. Photochromic materials which automatically adjust theirabsorption in response to ambient light conditions also can be used. Inaddition to film and polymer type materials, the light absorbing layermay be a wire mesh or perforated metal sheet, or a combination of wiremesh and polymers.

[0025] Transparent microspheres are embedded into the light absorbinglayer. Typically the transparent microspheres are embedded to a levelsufficient to provide light tunnels through the light absorbing layer.Light tunnels are present when the microspheres are embeddedsufficiently into the light absorbing layer so that portions of themicrospheres are in contact with, and in some instances, may perforatethe front surface of the light absorbing layer, and other portions ofthe microspheres protrude through the back surface of the lightabsorbing layer. Generally, the transparent microspheres are embedded ata level of about 10% to about 80%, and in one embodiment, less thanabout 50% (preferably from about 30% to about 40%) of their diameter.The transparent microspheres generally have a refractive index fromabout 1.4 to 2.3, or from about 1.4 to about 2.2, or from about 1.45 toabout 1.95. They are typically composed of glass, ceramic, plastic orother suitably transparent materials. The microspheres also may becomposed of photochromic materials to allow their optical properties torespond to changes in incident light intensity. Alternatively, coloredtransparent microspheres may be used to allow chromatic effects.Transparent microspheres having an average diameter of from about 25 toabout 300 microns are suitable for construction of the light filtersdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the transparent microspheres have adiameter of about 30 to about 120, or from about 40 to about 80, or fromabout 50 to 65 microns. In one embodiment, the diameter is an averagediameter. In one embodiment, the transparent microspheres aresubstantially uniform in size. In another embodiment microspheres ofdifferent diameters can be combined in a light filter to increase thepacking density. In some embodiments, it may be useful to usemicrospheres which are non-spherical in shape such as ellipsoids orrounded rods. These non-spherical shapes can be deposited in alignmentsthat provide different optical properties in different directions. Inanother embodiment, the transparent microspheres are present insubstantially a monolayer generally covering from 60% to about 91% ofthe surface area of the back surface light absorbing layer, or fromabout 75% to about 90%, or from about 85% to about 90% of the surfacearea of the back surface of the light absorbing layer.

[0026] The microspheres can be embedded in a close-pack array using anumber of well known processes. In one method, a removable supportmaterial such as paper or a polymer film is coated with a thermoplasticresin binder layer which is modified by colorant to adjust the binderlayer to the desired opacity. Microspheres are then spread over theresin binder layer which is subsequently heated, allowing themicrospheres to be pressed into the resin binder layer until themicrospheres contact the surface of the support material. Themicrospheres may be also deposited by electrophoresis from a fluidmedium by spraying a mixture of microspheres, material for the binderlayer and a solvent onto a support material, or by spraying microspheresdirectly onto a softened resin binder layer.

[0027] Another component of the light transmitting filter is theoptically clear conformed layer. In one embodiment the conformed layeris substantially uniform in thickness. This layer typically has athickness of about 10% to about 90% of the diameter of the averagemicrosphere, or from about 20% to about 80%, or from about 30% to about70% of the diameter of the average microsphere. In one embodiment, theconformed layer has an average thickness of from about 2.5 microns toabout 270 microns. In another embodiment the thickness is from about 7.5microns to about 75 microns. The conformed layer comprises any polymerwhich has the optical clarity needed for light transmitting filters.Typically these polymers are polyolefins, such as optically clearpolyolefins from metallocene catalysts, polyacrylates,polymethacrylates, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polyesters, such aspolyethylene terephthates, polyvinylidene dichloride, cellophane,cellulose acetate, polyvinylidene difluorides, polyvinyl chlorides,polyvinyl acetals, and polyvinylcarboxylates. The front surface of theconformed layer is adhered to the back surface of the light absorbinglayer and the microspheres which protrude from the back surface of thelight absorbing layer.

[0028] In one embodiment, the light filter may have a tie layer toimprove the adhesion of the conformed coating to the transparentmicrospheres and the light absorbing layer. This may be any materialwhich improves this adhesion. Examples of suitable tie layer resinsinclude “Platamid”, available from Elf Atochem, “CXA”, available fromDuPont, and “Plexar” available from Chemplex. In another embodiment, thetransparent microspheres and the light absorbing layer may be coronatreated to improve the adhesion to the front surface of the conformedoptically clear coating.

[0029] As noted above, the back surface of the conformed layer ofoptically clear material has a textured finish which results in reducedspeckling. It is believed that the textured finish scatters reflectedlight with minimal effect on total light transmission thereby reducingspeckling. In one embodiment, the textured finish may be a randommicrostructured surface such as a matte finish, or the finish maycontain a pattern of three-dimensional microstructures having crosssections made up of very small circles, ovals, diamonds, squares,rectangles, triangles, polygons, lines, or irregular shapes when thecross section is taken parallel to the surface of the light absorbingmaterial. The textured finish can be, in some instances, a holographicimage embossed into the surface of the film. Several procedures andtechniques are known to those skilled in the art for producing texturedfinishes on surfaces which can be used to form the textured finish onthe back surface of the conformed layer. For example, the back surfaceof a conformable layer of optically clear material may be textured,prior to being conformed to the microspheres, by contact with a film orpaper having a textured or matte finish. The finish on the film isreplicated on the surface of the conformable layer when the two surfacesare joined by pressure. Alternatively the desired surface of theconformable layer deposited on, e.g., a release liner, can be texturedby passing the construction through heated rollers, at least one ofwhich has a textured surface. In another method, the image can beimparted to the back surface of the conformed layer by first printing animage or textured surface onto the face of a polymer coated surface of acasting sheet. The printing can be done using common printing techniquessuch as Flexography (Flexo) and Rotogravure (gravure). Heat and pressureare used to press the image into the face of the polymer coated castingsheet so that the top of the print is substantially level with thepolymer coated surface. The conformable layer is then applied over thetextured surface such as by lamination thereby replicating the texturedor printed surface on the back surface of the conformable layer.

[0030] The conformed layer of optically clear material in one embodimentcomprises a substantially uniform layer which has a thickness withlittle variance, such as a variation in thickness of less than about 10microns, or even less than about 2.5 microns or even less than 1.25microns. The conformed layer conforms substantially in shape to theprotruding microspheres in the light absorbing layer. Thus, theconformed layer of optically clear material defines a plurality oflenses which are disposed on the back surface of a corresponding one ofthe microspheres and has a substantially spherical back surface with aradius of curvature somewhat larger than the radius of curvature of themicrosphere.

[0031] The microspheres which protrude from the back surface of thelight absorbing layer have a center of curvature, and the back surfaceof the conformed layer has a center of curvature. In one embodiment thecenter of curvature of the back surface of the conformed layer ofoptically clear material is behind the center of curvature of themicrospheres, and this increases convergence of the light into themicrospheres. In another embodiment, the center of curvature of the backsurface of the conformed layer is about equal to the center of curvatureof the microspheres thereby increasing convergences of light into themicrospheres.

[0032] The conformed layer of optically clear material provides apreliminary stage of convergence of the light into the microspheres.Also, it is believed that positioning the centers of curvature of theback surface of the conformed layer behind the centers of curvature ofthe microspheres increases convergence of such light into the beads, andconverges the light nearer the ideal angles for refraction of the lightthrough the transmission areas in front of the microspheres.

[0033] In one embodiment, the front surface of the light absorbing layermay be supported by a an optically clear support layer to improve thesturdiness of the filter. The optically clear support layer may be aglass or a polymer. The support layer must resist the pressure exertedby the transparent microspheres during the embedding and conformingprocesses. The support layer may be adhered to the light absorbing layerby an adhesive, by lamination, or as a result of coextrusion. Thesupport layer may be any material having sufficient strength to providesupport to the light absorbing layer and having optically clearcharacteristics. Examples of support layers include glass, polyacrylics,polycarbonates, polyurethanes, such as two part polyurethanes,polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalates, and any of thematerials described above as useful in the conformed layer of opticallyclear materials.

[0034] The methods of making the light transmitting filters may bethrough heat lamination. In one embodiment it is desirable that asubstantially uniform conformable layer is formed on the transparentmicrospheres. In one embodiment, it is desirable that the Vicatsoftening point of the polymer of the conformable layer is higher thanthe Vicat softening point of the polymer of the molding layer. Themolding layer is in contact with the conformable polymeric layer duringpreparation of the light filter. The molding layer may be anythermoplastic polymer with the appropriate Vicat softening point. If themolding layer is composed of a polymer of similar nature to theconformable layer then a layer of silicone release layer, such as thoseused for pressure sensitive adhesive liners, may be used to enhance easeof separation of the layers. In one embodiment, the molding layer iscomposed of polyolefins, such as low, medium and high densitypolyethylene, propylene or mixtures thereof. The lower Vicat softeningpoint of the molding layers helps form the conformable layer bysoftening and/or melting to conform to the surface of the transparentmicrospheres. Under the pressure and temperature of preparation, themolding layer presses the conformable layer against the transparentmicrospheres.

[0035] In one embodiment, the light filters of the invention can beprepared by the steps of (1) providing a first assembly comprising alight absorbing layer having a front surface and a back surface whereinthe front surface is adhered to a removable substrate, and a monolayerof transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer,wherein the microspheres provide light tunnels through the lightabsorbing layer and protrude from the back surface of the lightabsorbing layer;

[0036] (2) providing a second assembly comprising an optically clearhighly conformable layer comprising a first surface or having a frontsurface and a back surface, said back surface having a textured finish,a molding layer having a front surface and a back surface wherein thefront surface of the molding layer has a textured finish and is incontact with the back surface of the conformable layer, and the backsurface of the molding layer is in contact with a removable substrate;(3) laminating the back surface of the microsphere containing layer ofthe first assembly to the front surface of the optically clear highlyconformable layer of the second assembly; (4) removing the secondremovable substrate and molding layer whereby the conformed layerremains on the microspheres, follows the curved surfaces of themicrospheres and is substantially uniform and the back surface ofconformed layer has a textured finish.

[0037] In another method, the light transmitting filter of the inventioncan be prepared by the steps of: (1) providing a first constructioncomprising a molding layer having a front surface and a back surface, afirst removable support layer on the back surface of the molding layer,and an optically clear polymeric layer on the front surface of themolding layer wherein the optically clear polymeric layer has a frontsurface and a back surface, and the back surface is textured, andwherein the Vicat softening point of the optically clear polymeric layeris greater than the Vicat softening point of the molding layer, (2)providing a second construction comprising a light absorbing layerhaving a first surface and a second surface, and a second removablesupport layer on the front surface of the light absorbing layer, (3)heat laminating the front surface of the optically clear polymeric layerof the first construction to the back surface of the light absorbinglayer of the second construction, (4) removing the first removablesupport layer and the molding layer from the laminate, whereby the backsurface of the conformed layer has a textured finish, provided thateither the first construction or the second construction containstransparent microspheres, and the transparent microspheres form lighttunnels through the light absorbing layer.

[0038] The invention may be further understood by reference to theattached figures. FIG. 1a is a cross section of light filter 10. Box 10a is expanded in FIG. 1b to show a conformable coating 11, lightabsorbing layer 12, transparent microspheres 13 and clear support layer14. The back surface of the conformed layer 11 has a textured surface15. FIG. 1c represents another embodiment where conformable coating 11is attached to tie layer or corona treatment layer 16. The light filterstill contains light absorbing layer 12, transparent microspheres 13, aclear support layer 14, and the exposed back surface 15 of the conformedlayer 11 has a textured finish.

[0039]FIGS. 2a-2 e illustrate one method for preparing the light filtersof the invention. In these figures, the top of each construction issometimes referred to as the “front” and the bottom is sometimesreferred to as the “back” of the construction. Accordingly the surfaceof each layer closest to the top or front of the construction isreferred to as the “upper surface” or the “front surface” and thesurface of each layer closest to the bottom or back of the constructionis referred to as the “back surface” or the “lower surface”. In use, thelight enters the filters of the invention from the back surface, and thelight is emitted from the front surface.

[0040] In FIG. 2a, construction 20 comprises a removable support layer29 (typically paper or a PET film), an optically clear support layer 24,(e.g., a polyacrylate) and a light absorbing layer 25 (e.g.,polyvinylbutyral or a thermoplastic polyurethane containing carbonblack). Microspheres 26 are embedded in the light absorbing layer 25. Aportion of the microspheres is embedded in the light absorbing layer 25and contacts or perforates the front surface 25 a of light absorbinglayer 25. A portion of the microspheres 26 protrudes from the backsurface 25 b of the light absorbing layer 25. The construction 20 a ofFIG. 2b comprises substrate layer 21 (typically paper or a PET film suchas Mylar®), molding layer 22 and conformable layer 23. The back (lower)surface 23 a of conformable layer 23 has a textured finish. In anotherembodiment, molding layer 22 is omitted, and the surface of substratelayer 21 has a textured surface (for example, a release liner with amatte finish on the release surface) which is transferred to the backsurface 23 a of layer 23 when laminated thereto.

[0041] The construction 20 b in FIG. 2c is formed by laminatingconstruction 20 to construction 20 a as shown. The lower (back) surfaceof the light absorbing layer 25 with protruding microspheres 26 islaminated to the upper surface of conformable layer 23 whereby themicrospheres 26 are forced into the conformable layer 23, and thematerial of layer 23 conforms to the shape of the protruding micropheres26. The molding layer 22 supports the moldable layer keeping the coatingfrom leveling between the microspheres, and the textured surface 23 a onthe back surface of the conformable layer remains substantially intact.Lamination temperatures and pressures depend on the materials (polymers)used in the various layers, but, generally, lamination occurs at atemperature of from about 175° (79° C. to about 400° F. (204° C.), orfrom about 250° F. (121° C.) to about 350° F. (177° C.). The laminationpressure is preferably between about 50 to about 150 psi, or from about75 to about 125 psi. In some embodiments the temperature applied to thebottom of layer 21 of construction 20 a is higher than the temperatureapplied to the top of layer 29 of construction 20 when the twoconstructions are laminated together.

[0042] After lamination, as shown in FIG. 2c, the conformable layer 23is now conformed to the shape of the microspheres 26. Also, the moldinglayer 22 has been correspondingly deformed by the entry of themicrospheres 26 into the conformable layer 23. The construction 20 c isallowed to cool, and the microtextured molding layer 22 and supportlayer 21 are removed as shown in FIG. 2e leaving the laminatedconstruction (light filter) shown in FIG. 2d comprising removablesupport layer 29, optically clear support layer 24, microspheres 26embedded in light absorbing layer 25 and contacting or perforating thefront surface of the light absorbing layer forming a light transmittingtunnel through the light absorbing layer 25. The microspheres 26 and thelight absorbing layer 25 between the microspheres 26 are coated with aconformed layer of optically clear material 23, and the back surface 23a of the conformed layer 23 has a textured finish. Removable supportlayer 29 is present to provide support during the manufacture andprocessing of the construction, and to provide some protection to theoptically clear support layer 24 from the laminating temperatures.Accordingly support layer 24 is typically removed before the lightfilter is used.

[0043]FIGS. 3a-3 e illustrate another method of preparing the lightfilters of the invention. Construction 30 of FIG. 3a comprises a lightabsorbing layer 35, clear support layer 36 (e.g., a polyacrylate) andremovable support layer 37 (e.g., paper or PET film). Construction 30 ain FIG. 3b comprises support layer 31, molding layer 32 laminated tolayer 33 which is composed of the conformable materials for theconformed layer. Microspheres 34 are embedded in the conformable layer33, and the back surface 33 a of conformable layer 33 has a texturedsurface. Constructions 30 and 30 a are brought together, as shown, bylaminating under heat and pressure as described above. FIG. 3crepresents the multilayer construction formed when constructions 30 and30 a have been combined. The multilayer construction of FIG. 3bcomprises support layer 31, molding layer 32, conformed layer 33, lightabsorbing layer 35, optically clear support layer 36 and removablesupport layer 37, The microspheres 34 are now embedded in the lightabsorbing layer 35 and in the conformed layer 33. As a result of thelamination process, a portion of the microspheres 34 contact and/orperforate the upper or front surface of the light absorbing layer thuscreating a tunnel through the light absorbing layer 35. The conformablelayer 33 of FIG. 3b is now a conformed layer 33 around a portion of themicrospheres 34. The upper surface of molding layer 32 has been deformedby the lamination process as shown in FIG. 3c.

[0044]FIG. 3d illustrates the light filter of the present invention whenthe support layer 31 and molding layer 32 are removed from theconstruction of FIG. 3c as shown in FIG. 3e. The remaining portion ofthe construction 30 c in FIG. 3d comprises removable support layer 37,clear support layer 36, light absorbing layer 35 and conformed layer 33with the microspheres 34 embedded in the light absorbing layer 35 andcoated with the conformed layer 33. The microspheres 34 contact orperforate the front surface of the light absorbing layer 35 forming alight transmitting tunnel through the light absorbing layer 35. The backsurface 33 a of the conformed layer 33 has a textured finish. Removablesupport layer 37 is present to provide support during the manufactureand processing of the construction, and to provide some protection tothe optically clear support layer of polymethyl methacrylate. Thus, theremovable polyethylene terephthalate support layer is removed from thepolymethyl methacrylate layer to provide a light filter with aconformable coating having a textured (matte) surface on the back(exposed) side of the conformed layer.

[0045] The following are examples of the preparation of the lightfilters of the invention. These examples are illustrative and are not beconsidered limiting to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwiseindicated in the examples and elsewhere in the specification and claims,temperatures are in degrees centigrade, parts and percentages are byweight, and pressure is at or near atmospheric pressure.

EXAMPLE 1

[0046] A 75 micron (3 ml) layer of polyethylene terephthalate (SH-71Polyester film from SKC America) is laminated to a 75 micron (3 mil)layer of polymethylmethacrylate. (Acrylic HI-7 from ICI). A 10 micron(0.4 mil) layer of black polyvinyl butyral (Butvar B-90 from Solutiacontaining 6% carbon black) is placed on top of thepolymethylmethacrylate. Glass microspheres having a refractive index of1.80 and having an average diameter of 52 microns are embedded into thepolyvinylbutyral forming a light tunnel to make construction 1. A paperfacestock coated with low density polyethylene and having a mattesurface is obtained (e.g., Felix Schoeller Technical Paper F315L), andonto the layer of polyethylene (matte surface) is coated a 10 micron(0.4 mil) thick layer of clear polyvinylbutyral (Butvar B-90 fromSolutia) to make construction 2. Construction 1 and 2 are pressedtogether (black polyvinylbutyral layer with exposed microspheres ofconstruction 1 to the clear polyvinylbutyral layer of construction 2) ata temperature of 285° F. (140° C.) and 100 psi using a roll laminator.The layer of conformable clear polyvinylbutyral conforms around theprotruding microspheres and the polyethylene layer (molding layer havinga lower Vicat softening temperature than the polyvinylbutyral) helpsform the conformable layer to the surface of the microspheres. Aftercooling, the paper and the low density polyethylene are separated fromthe other materials to provide a light filter with a conformable coatinghaving a textured (matte) surface on the back (exposed) side of theconformed layer. The removable polyethylene terephthalate support layeris subsequently removed from the polymethylmethacrylate layer.

EXAMPLE 2

[0047] A paper facestock coated with low density polyethylene and havinga matte finish such as Felix Schoeller Technical Paper F315L is coatedwith 0.4 mil (10 microns) of polyvinyl butyral (Butvar B-90), and theglass microspheres of Example 1 are embedded into the polyvinyl butyrallayer. A second construction is prepared which comprises a 75 micron (3mil) layer of polyethylene terephthalate (SH-71 from SKC America) coatedwith 75 microns (3 mils) of polymethylmethacrylate (MI-7 from Rohm &Haas) and 10 microns (0.4 ml) of black polyvinyl butyral (Butvar B-79containing 6% carbon black). These two constructions are combined bylaminating the exposed layer of black polyvinylbutyral to the layer ofclear polyvinylbutyral containing the glass microspheres. Lamination isaccomplished at a pressure of about 100 psi and at a temperature ofabout 285° F. (140° C.). After cooling, the paper and polyethylenelayers are removed thereby exposing the back surface of the conformedlayer of clear polyvinyl butyral having a textured finish on the backsurface. When the light filter is ready to be used, the polyethyleneterephthalate support layer is removed.

EXAMPLE 3

[0048] This example illustrates a light filter of the present inventionwhich does not include an optically clear support layer as present inExamples 1 and 2 above. A first construction is prepared comprising a 75micron layer of polyethylene terephthalate and 10 microns of a blackthermoplastic polyurethane P-9827 from Morton containing 6% carbonblack. A second construction is prepared which comprises a paper coatedwith 35 microns of low density polyethylene having a matte finish on theexposed surface followed by coating with a 10 micron layer of clearpolyvinylbutyral. Glass microspheres of Example 1 are then embedded intothe polyvinylbutyral. The two constructions are then laminated togetherby bringing the layer of clear polyvinylbutyral into contact with thelayer of black polyurethane whereby the exposed microspheres areembedded in the thermoplastic urethane layer to the extent that themicrospheres touch and/or perforate the surface of the blackpolyurethane layer which is in contact with the polyethyleneterephthalate layer thereby forming a light tunnel through the blackpolyurethane layer. Lamination is accomplished at about 100 psi whilemaintaining the temperature on the outside of construction 1 (the paperlayer) at about 135° C. (275° F.), and the temperature on the outerlayer (polyethylene terephthalate) of construction 2 at about 95° C.(203° F.). After cooling the laminated structure, the paper andpolyethylene layers are removed leaving a conformed layer of clearpolyvinylbutyral in contact with the microspheres, and the back surfaceof the conformed clear polyvinylbutyral has a matte finish. Theremovable polyethylene terephthalate layer can then be removed toprovide a light filter with the desired conformable coating having atextured surface. The light filter of this example may be adhered to arigid structure, such as a sheet of polycarbonate (Lexan) or polymethylmethacrylate (Plexiglas).

[0049] While the invention has been explained in relation to itspreferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various modificationsthereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon readingthe specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventiondisclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall withinthe scope of the appended claims.

1. A light transmitting filter comprising: a) a light absorbing layer ofmaterial having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparentmicrospheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting thefront surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of themicrospheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbinglayer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c)a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface anda back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is incontact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of themicrospheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has atextured finish.
 2. The filter of claim 1 wherein the light absorbinglayer comprises a polymeric material and at least one pigment orcolorant.
 3. The filter of claim 1 wherein the light absorbing layercomprises a polyacrylate, a polyurethane, or a polyvinyl acetal, and atleast one pigment or colorant.
 4. The filter of claim 1 wherein themicrospheres are glass microspheres having a diameter of from about 25to about 300 microns.
 5. The filter of claim 1 wherein the conformedlayer has an average thickness of from about 2.5 microns to about 270microns.
 6. The filter of claim 1 wherein the conformed layer issubstantially uniform in thickness and has an average thickness in therange of from about 2.5 microns to about 270 microns.
 7. The filter ofclaim 1 wherein the front surface of the light absorbing layer isadhered to an optically clear support layer.
 8. The filter of claim 7wherein the clear support layer comprises a polyester or a polyacrylate.9. The filter of claim 1 further comprising a polymeric tie layerbetween the clear conformed layer and the back surface of the lightabsorbing layer.
 10. The filter of claim 1 wherein the textured finishis a matte finish.
 11. A light transmitting filter comprising: (A) alight absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a backsurface, (B) a monolayer of transparent microspheres embedded in thelight absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the lightabsorbing layer, with portions of the microspheres protruding throughthe back surface of the light absorbing layer thereby providing lighttunnels for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and(C) a conformed layer of optically clear polymeric material having afront surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of theconformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with theprotruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface ofthe conformed layer has a textured finish.
 12. The filter of claim 11wherein the light absorbing layer has a thickness of about 10% to about60% of the average diameter of the microsphere.
 13. The light filter ofclaim 11 wherein the microspheres are glass microspheres which have arefractive index of from about 1.4 to about 2.3.
 14. The filter of claim11 in which the monolayer of transparent microspheres are generallycovering from about 60% to about 90% of the surface area of the lightabsorbing layer.
 15. The filter of claim 11 in which the transparentmicrospheres have an average diameter of from about 25 to about 300microns and the microspheres vary in diameter through the range of lessthan 50% of the average diameter of the microspheres.
 16. The filter ofclaim 11 wherein the conformable layer comprises a polyacrylate or apolyvinyl acetal.
 17. The filter of claim 11 wherein the light absorbinglayer comprises a polyacrylate, a polyurethane, or a polyvinyl acetal,and at least one pigment or colorant.
 18. The filter of claim 11 whereinthe front surface of the light absorbing layer of the filter is adheredto an optically clear support layer.
 19. The filter of claim 18 whereinthe optically clear support layer comprises a polyester or apolymethacrylate.
 20. The filter of claim 11 wherein the light absorbinglayer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and at least one pigment orcolorant.
 21. The filter of claim 11 wherein the textured finish is amatte finish.
 22. A method of preparing a light transmitting filtercomprising the steps of: (1) providing a first assembly comprising alight absorbing layer having a front surface and a back surface whereinthe front surface is adhered to a substrate, and a monolayer oftransparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer; (2)providing a second assembly comprising an optically clear conformablelayer comprising a front surface and a back surface, said back surfacehaving a textured finish, a molding layer having a front surface and aback surface wherein the front surface of the molding layer has atextured finish and is in contact with the back surface of theconformable layer, and the back surface of the molding layer is inadherent contact with a substrate; (3) laminating the back surface ofthe microsphere containing layer of the first assembly to the frontsurface of the optically clear conformable layer of the second assembly;(4) removing the molding layer and substrate whereby the conformed layerremains on the microspheres, and the back surface of conformed layer hasa textured finish.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the substrate ofthe first assembly is removed from the filter.
 24. The method of claim22 wherein the substrate of the first assembly comprises an opticallyclear substrate.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein the substrate of thefirst assembly is multilayered.
 26. The method of claim 22 in which theVicat softening point of the molding layer is less than the Vicatsoftening point of the optically clear conformable layer.
 27. The methodof claim 22 in which the light absorbing layer has a thickness of fromabout 10% to about 80% of the microsphere diameter.
 28. The method ofclaim 22 in which the transparent microspheres which provide lighttunnels through the light absorbing layer cover from about 60% to about90% of the back surface of the light absorbing layer.
 29. The method ofclaim 22 in which the transparent microspheres have a refractive indexof from about 1.4 to about 2.3.
 30. The method of claim 22 in which thetransparent microspheres have an average diameter of from about 25 toabout 300 microns and vary in diameter through a range of less than 50%of the average diameter of the microspheres.
 31. The method of claim 22wherein the conformable layer comprises a polyacrylate or a polyvinylacetal.
 32. A method of preparing a light transmitting filter comprisingthe steps of: (1) providing a first assembly comprising a lightabsorbing layer having a front surface and a back surface wherein thefront surface is adhered to a substrate; (2) providing a second assemblycomprising an optically clear conformable layer comprising a frontsurface and a back surface, said back surface having a textured finish,a molding layer having a front surface and a back surface wherein thefront surface of the molding layer has a textured finish and is incontact with the back surface of the conformable layer, a monolayer oftransparent microspheres embedded in the front surface of the opticallyclear polymeric layer, and the back surface of the molding layer is inadherent contact with a substrate; (3) laminating the back surface ofthe light absorbing layer of the first assembly to the microspherecontaining front surface of the optically clear conformable layer of thesecond assembly, wherein the microspheres provide light tunnels throughthe light absorbing layer and protrude from the back surface of thelight absorbing layer; (4) removing the molding layer and substratewhereby the conformed layer remains on the microspheres, and the backsurface of conformed layer has a textured finish.
 33. The method ofclaim 32 wherein the substrate of the first assembly is removed from thefilter.
 34. The method of claim 32 wherein the substrate of the firstassembly comprises an optically clear substrate.
 35. The method of claim32 wherein the substrate of the first assembly is multilayered.
 36. Themethod of claim 32 in which the Vicat softening point of the moldinglayer is less than the Vicat softening point of the optically clearconformable layer.
 37. The method of claim 32 in which the lightabsorbing layer has a thickness of from about 10% to about 80% of themicrosphere diameter.
 38. The method of claim 32 in which thetransparent microspheres which provide light tunnels through the lightabsorbing layer cover from about 60% to about 90% of the back surface ofthe light absorbing layer.
 39. The method of claim 32 in which thetransparent microspheres have a refractive index of from about 1.4 toabout 2.3.
 40. The method of claim 32 in which the transparentmicrospheres have an average diameter of from about 25 to about 300microns and vary in diameter through a range of less than 50% of theaverage diameter of the microspheres.
 41. The method of claim 32 whereinthe conformable layer comprises a polyacrylate or a polyvinyl acetal.42. A method of preparing a light transmitting filter comprising thesteps of: (1) providing a first construction comprising a molding layerhaving a front surface and a back surface, a first support layer on theback surface of the molding layer, and an optically clear polymericlayer on the front surface of the molding layer wherein the opticallyclear polymeric layer has a front surface and a back surface, and theback surface is textured, and wherein the Vicat softening point of theoptically clear polymeric layer is greater than the Vicat softeningpoint of the molding layer, (2) providing a second constructioncomprising a light absorbing layer having a first surface and a secondsurface, and a second support layer on the front surface of the lightabsorbing layer, (3) heat laminating the front surface of the opticallyclear polymeric layer of the first construction to the back surface ofthe light absorbing layer of the second construction, (4) removing thefirst support layer and the molding layer from the laminate, whereby theback surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish, provided thateither the first construction or the second construction containstransparent microspheres, and the transparent microspheres form lighttunnels through the light absorbing layer.
 43. The method of claim 42wherein the second construction also comprises an optically clear layerbetween the light absorbing layer and the second support layer.
 44. Themethod of claim 42 wherein the support layer of the second constructioncomprises an optically clear layer.
 45. The method of claim 42 whereinthe support layer of the second construction is removed from the filter.46. The method of claim 42 wherein the support layer of the secondconstruction is multilayered.
 47. The method of claim 42 wherein themolding layer comprises a polyolefin, and the first support layer is apaper or a polymeric liner.
 48. The method of claim 42 wherein the lightabsorbing layer comprises a polyacrylate, a polyvinyl acetal or athermoplastic polyurethane and at least one pigment or colorant.
 49. Themethod of claim 42 wherein the transparent microspheres are embedded inthe light absorbing layer of the second construction.
 50. The method ofclaim 42 wherein the transparent microspheres are embedded in theoptically clear polymeric layer of the first construction.
 51. Themethod of claim 42 wherein the transparent microspheres are glass. 52.The method of claim 42 wherein the transparent microspheres have anaverage diameter of from about 25 to about 300 microns.
 53. The methodof claim 42 wherein the microspheres have a refractive index of fromabout 1.4 to about 2.3.
 54. The method of claim 42 wherein the lightabsorbing layer has a thickness of from about 10% to about 80% of thediameter of the microspheres.